Footballer Maddy Cusack has died suddenly aged 27, Sheffield United have announced.
Cusack, who sadly died on 20 September, 2023, was Sheffield United’s longest serving women’s player and was named vice-captain last month.
She had just started her sixth season with the team in the Women’s Championship, alongside working as a marketing executive at the club.
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A statement on the club’s official website confirmed Cusack’s death, reading: “Sheffield United Football Club is devastated to report the sad news of the passing of Maddy Cusack.
“Maddy, women’s team player since 2019 and marketing executive for the Football Club, passed away on Wednesday.
“A respected player, Maddy, 27, last season reached the milestone of 100 appearances for Sheffield United Women. Additionally, she was a valued colleague in the offices at Bramall Lane, moving over from the Sheffield United Community Foundation to the club in 2021 to help market all areas of the Blades.”
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Cusack’s brother, Richard Cusack, also shared a heartfelt tribute to his sister on social media on Thursday in response to the club’s statement.
Writing on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: “My beautiful sister. May you rest in peace Maddy.”
Sheffield united’s chief executive officer Stephen Bettis said: “This is heart-breaking news for everyone at Bramall Lane.
“Maddy had a unique position of being part of a number of teams at Sheffield united and was popular with everyone that she came into contact with.
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“Her personality and professionalism made her a credit to her family - she will be sadly missed.
“While taking in the news and moving forward, the club will offer as much support as possible to Maddy’s family, friends and colleagues.”
The club is having discussions about ‘suitable tributes to Maddy’s life’ privately and requested privacy during this difficult time. Her cause of death is currently unknown.
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Cusack was born on 28 October, 1995 and went on to study at the University of Derby where she achieved first class honours in marketing, PR and advertising.
She joined Sheffield United halfway through their first campaign in the women’s second tier in January 2019 and last season became the first woman to achieve 100 appearances for the club.
She signed a contract extension with the club in July and at the time she said: “I think everyone knows how much I love this club. This club is my home.”
The former England youth international last played on 27 August in 1-1 draw against Charlton Athletic.
Gregory Robinson